Discover the Journey Ahead: A Long Way to Go
A recent report from Policy Exchange examines the Metropolitan Police’s performance as Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley reaches the three-year mark of his term. The findings reveal a decline in public confidence and a growing concern over crime-solving capabilities in London.
Decline in Public Confidence
The report indicates that public trust in the Metropolitan Police has reached an unprecedented low. Only 45% of Londoners believe the police are performing well in their local areas as of June 2025. This figure represents a significant drop from 69% in 2016.
Crime Statistics and Comparison
Despite a decrease in knife crime rates in 2025 compared to the previous year, the Metropolitan Police’s statistics remain alarming. The rate of knife crime stands at:
- 17.8% higher than the West Midlands
- 36.8% higher than Greater Manchester
- 44.6% higher than South Yorkshire
- 46.9% higher than West Yorkshire
Low Crime-Solving Rates
The report highlights the force’s struggles with solving theft-related offenses in London:
- 1 in 20 robberies and burglaries are solved
- 1 in 76 bicycle thefts are resolved
- 1 in 179 pickpocketing incidents lead to a resolution
- 1 in 13 shoplifting cases are addressed
Challenges in Neighborhood Policing
Several factors contribute to the current state of the police force, including:
- Delayed transition from community engagement to crime-fighting
- An 8.3% reduction in the number of officers in local BCU frontline teams, with 1,631 fewer officers
- A 14.54% increase in civilian staff, adding 1,453 new members
- Limited access due to police station closures, with only two police front counters operating 24/7
- Issues stemming from changes to local police leadership structures
Assessment Areas
Policy Exchange’s assessment of the force covers key performance areas, rating them as follows:
- Public Confidence – Inadequate
- Crime Fighting – Required Improvement
- Policing Protests – Inadequate
- Public Trust, Confidence, and Professionalism – Adequate
Recommendations for Improvement
The report concludes with five core recommendations aimed at the Home Secretary, Commissioner, and Chief Inspector of Constabulary. These suggestions seek to address the issues raised and restore faith in the Metropolitan Police.
